Best Online Psychology Degree Programs in NY & NYC

Uncovering New York’s Psychology Associate Degrees

An associate degree in psychology gives students a foundational understanding of the principles in the field. Many of the best online psychology programs in New York take just two years, making them an ideal starting point for those interested in exploring the discipline. After completing this degree, you can go on to transfer to a bachelor’s program in psychology, marketing, or communications.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in NY

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a four-year undergraduate program that provides a deeper education in human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. Online psychology programs in New York are perfect for students who desire entry-level work in fields like marketing research or human resources, and you can go on to pursue advanced degrees in psychology.

Psychology Master’s Degrees in New York: Explore Your Education Options

A master’s degree in psychology provides coursework that builds on the concepts you’ve studied on the undergraduate level. You will also have the opportunity to specialize in one area of the field, like clinical, industrial-organizational, counseling, or school psychology. Earning a master’s can be an excellent choice for those wanting to become licensed counselors or human resources managers, or pursue a doctoral degree.

PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates for Students in New York

A PsyD program focuses primarily on work in clinical settings, so those who earn these degrees typically become clinical psychologists. On the other hand, psychology PhD programs emphasize research and advanced specialization in a particular field of study. This degree is typically best for students who want to become researchers, university professors, or experts in a specific area of psychology. You can also choose a graduate certificate program for specialized training and specific skill building without pursuing a full advanced degree.

FAQs From New York Psychology Students

Can psychology students in New York receive financial aid?

Yes. Psychology students in New York have access to a range of financial aid opportunities to support their educational journey. In addition to federal aid options such as grants and loans, there are scholarships designed specifically for psychology students. National associations, like the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Foundation, provide opportunities for financial awards, research funding, and scholarships. Furthermore, institutions like CUNY and Stony Brook University offer psychology-specific scholarships to deserving students.

How do I become a licensed psychologist in New York?

In order to become a licensed psychologist in New York, you must complete a doctoral program that has been accredited by the American Psychological Association or the New York State Education Department, and complete coursework based on the Child Abuse Identification Reporting requirement.

Also, the state requires that psychologists have two years of full-time, supervised professional experience where they work at least 1,750 hours each year. You should score at least a 75 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) provided by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

Is psychology a hard major?

Psychology can be a challenging major because the coursework is rigorous. You will be required to do a great deal of reading and writing, so it can take some effort to keep up with everything expected of you. In addition, the topics covered in a psychology curriculum can be emotionally exhausting. You will learn about some disturbing psychological disorders and behaviors, and if you plan to work directly with patients, it’s likely you may consider how you would handle these types of cases. However, if you’re interested in psychology and you apply yourself, you should be able to navigate these challenges.

What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry?

Psychology and psychiatry are closely related, but they are not quite the same. In psychology, you study behavior and mental health disorders with a focus on some of the factors that influence them. These programs also address different types of therapy that professionals use when treating patients.

In psychiatry, professionals also treat mental health disorders. However, psychiatry is a branch of medicine, so those who want to pursue this career must earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. As a result, while psychiatrists may provide therapy, they prescribe medications.

Will I be able to get a job after earning an online degree in psychology?

Yes. Although online degrees used to carry a stigma, employers should not have an issue with how you obtained your degree. If you learn the skills that employers need, you should have no problem getting a job. However, to ensure that you do gain the knowledge and abilities companies are looking for, you need to enroll in an accredited college or university. Graduating from an accredited program is also required if you want to get a license.

New York’s Salary & Career Prospects for Psychology Graduates

Resources for Psychology Students & Professionals in New York

Psychological science is constantly evolving. This means it’s important to continue learning and growing after completing your degree, even if you’ve earned a doctorate. Below you will find some resources to help you stay abreast of the latest developments in psychology, as well as connect with likeminded peers in the profession.

• Applied Psychology Meetup NYC
  This Meetup group organizes community-based gatherings with psychology and applied psychology professionals and enthusiasts in New York City. It hosts events, workshops, and networking opportunities for those interested in psychology.
• New York Association of School Psychologists
  This professional group serves as a resource for the state’s school psychologists to connect and collaborate to serve children, families, and the wider school community. NYASP provides members with discounts on continuing education, networking opportunities, and exclusive industry resources.
• New York State Board for Psychology
  The official website of the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions provides a wealth of valuable information for graduates, including licensing information, regulations, and resources for psychologists practicing in the state.
• New York State Psychological Association
  The New York State Psychological Association is the state’s professional organization for psychologists, making it a must-visit for students and new professionals in the field. Its website offers networking opportunities, events, and resources for psychology professionals in New York.
• NYC Mental Health Clinicians Facebook Group
  Join this Facebook group for mental health professionals and participate in conversations about networking, continuing education, mentorship, and private practice entrepreneurship in New York City. To join this private group, you must be a mental health professional in NYC.

List of the Best New York Schools for Online Psychology Degrees

In today’s fast-paced world, online and hybrid psychology programs have emerged as compelling alternatives to traditional in-person learning. They provide unparalleled convenience and affordability, making them particularly attractive to working professionals and those seeking flexibility in their education. While some of the best online psychology programs in New York offer a fully online psychology degree experience, others follow a hybrid model, combining online coursework with occasional in-person components. Below you’ll find our ranking of the best online psychology programs in New York, as well as information on the methodology we used.